You may have already heard, but yesterday was a very good day for animals ...  Both Proposition 2: The Farm Animal Cruelty Prevention Act (CA) and Question 3: The Greyhound Protection Act in (MA) were passed!  What an answer to prayer ...

My most sincere congratulations and commendations go to all of the people who worked so tirelessly to see both ballot measures through.  What a day to celebrate, and many thanks to everyone who followed the posts here on Prop 2 and the other ballot measures.  Speaking of which, here is a bit more information:

Prop 2 passed in California with an overwhelming majority, 63% to 37% at last count.  From Yes! on Prop 2's press release (11/04/08), where you can read more about the specific accomplishments for farmed animals: "California voters have taken a stand for decency and compassion and said that the systemic mistreatment of animals on factory farms cannot continue," said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States ...  "All animals deserve humane treatment, including animals raised for food.”

Question 3 passed in Massachusetts, by 56% to 44% at last count.  From the HSUS' press release (11/04/08): Christine Dorchak, president and general counsel of Grey2K USA and author of the ballot question, said "tonight compassion overcame cruelty.  Massachusetts voters stood up for dogs and sent a clear message we in Massachusetts will no longer tolerate an industry that causes thousands of dogs to suffer terrible confinement at racetracks."

As for the other two ballot measures with implications for animals which I mentioned in Monday's post, Proposition 105 was also voted down in Arizona!  But unfortunately, State Question 742 in Oklahoma was approved.  Please see the HSUS' 2008 ballot initiatives report for more on both. 

All in all, yesterday was a landmark day for animals and animal advocacy, despite the work that remains to be done.  And remember, Prop 2 and Question 3 aren't just important in and of themselves, absolutely significant as they may be.  They're also contributing substantial momentum towards a larger trend in our society to care about the animals we use for food and entertainment.  We may well look back on yesterday as one of the most significant days for God's creatures in U.S. history, and thank you again for the part you played.

(photo copyright 123rf.com)